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    Watch Chelsea wonderkid Mason Burstow, 19, score amazing 40-yard goal in win over Oxford in EFL Trophy

    WONDERKID Mason Burstow delighted fans by scoring a screamer for Chelsea U21’s.The 19-year-old took an audacious shot from 40 yards out which ended up bulging the back of the net.
    Mason Burstow takes an audacious shotCredit: https://twitter.com/BurstowMason/status/1577588483622830081
    His shot ends up bulging in the back of the netCredit: https://twitter.com/BurstowMason/status/1577588483622830081
    His goal helped see Chelsea seal a 2-1 win over Oxford United in the EFL Trophy.
    And fans were clearly in awe of his stupendous strike.
    “What a player,” said one fan on social media.
    A second user said: “Wow what a goal.”
    Another user who appeared to be in attendance of the game said: “WHAT A GOAL MASON BURSTOW! The striker spots Eastwood off his line and lobs it in from distance to level the score at 1-1.”
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    Other users hinted at a possible first-team call-up for the attacker, who was signed from Charlton in February.
    One user said: “Not long till you do that for the first team.”
    While another added: “First team call up soon.”
    The stunner against United was the second goal of his campaign, following a massive overhaul of the academy which saw Chelsea bring in a number of prodigal stars.
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    The Blues first team have endured a turbulent season so far, with the surprise sacking of Thomas Tuchel being the pinnacle of this.
    Graham Potter has since taken charge and is yet to taste defeat after a draw and a win from his first two games.
    However, the next game will be his biggest test so far, with Group E leaders AC Milan in strong form ahead of their visit to Stamford Bridge.
    Chelsea are winless in the Champions League so far, with a loss – which gave Tuchel the sack – and a draw to their name.
    This means they are bottom of the group and must collect a win tonight or face being knocked out at the group stage. More

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    Chelsea risk losing N’Golo Kante for FREE in summer over contract demands with PSG lining up transfer for midfielder

    CHELSEA could lose N’Golo Kante for FREE next summer with contract talks having stalled, according to reports.The midfielder’s current deal is set to expire at the end of the season, with the Blues having been locked in negotiations over an extension.
    N’Golo Kante has returned to full trainingCredit: Getty
    Chelsea are willing to offer the 31-year-old a two-year contract with an option for a third.
    But Kante wants a four-year deal like the one handed to Kalidou Koulibaly, also 31, earlier this year.
    According to the Mail, Blues chiefs are wary of such a commitment, given Kante’s injury issues in recent seasons.
    The Frenchman missed 55 Premier League games through injury during the past three campaigns – and hasn’t played this time around since the 2-2 draw with Tottenham on August 14.
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    Should Chelsea fail to agree a new deal by January, Kante would be free to talk to other teams abroad.
    Paris Saint-Germain would be at the front of the queue for the 2018 World Cup winner’s signature, having held a long-term interest.

    Discussing Kante’s situation yesterday, boss Graham Potter said: “My focus is to help him rehabilitate in a good way so he is available for us.
    “When on the pitch, he is a huge asset for us. The other stuff is between the club and him.
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    “My focus is to help him get fit and enjoying his football.
    “There are not many players in world football like him, so the quicker he is back for us the better. That is where I leave my focus.”
    Potter, 47, could select Kante for the first time tonight against AC Milan – with the former Leicester ace back in contention following his recent hamstring issue.
    The ex-Brighton manager added: “It’s hard to replace someone like him.
    “He is a world-class player and any team that loses him will suffer a little bit. But it’s up to the other players to take the step up and find the solutions.
    “If we look at the options we’ve got, even if there isn’t a direct replacement, there are other solutions in there so we have to find the right one.”
    Graham Potter discussed Kante ahead of tonight’s matchCredit: PA More

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    Chelsea transfer target Leao bizarrely ‘likes’ post of ex-AC Milan star Cassano saying Sancho and Rashford are better

    CHELSEA transfer target Rafael Leao has brushed off Antonio Cassano’s claim he is not good enough for the best teams in Europe.Leao helped AC Milan to the league title last season and was named Serie A’s Most Valuable Player.
    Antonio Cassano claimed Rafael Leao is not good enough for a top European sideCredit: Getty
    Leao responded by liking an article reporting Cassano’s comments
    He has subsequently been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea but Cassano does not believe he is good enough to start regularly for a top club in Europe.
    The former Milan and Real Madrid star criticised Leao’s lack of goals and claimed he is not worth his reported price tag.
    Cassano told Bobo TV: “He would not be a regular starter in the best teams in Europe.
    “Liverpool have Luis Diaz. Barcelona have Ansu Fati who is 19-year-old. Leao plays in Serie A, not a top league.
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    “To me, [Jadon] Sancho and [Marcus] Rashford are better than Leao, Sancho is phenomenal. Leao is a mix between [Ousmane] Dembélé and [Anthony] Martial.
    “He is not worth £130m he doesn’t score 50 goals per season, therefore he doesn’t really make the difference.”
    Leao, 23, responded to the criticism by liking an article on Twitter that reported Cassano’s quotes.
    The Portgual international previously liked a meme comparing him to Milan flop M’baye Niang – showing the criticism is water off a duck’s back.
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    Leao has started the season well and scored in the 3-1 win over Empoli on Saturday – his fourth in seven league games this season.
    Chelsea continue to show interest too with Graham Potter also a huge fan of the winger.
    He said: “I’ve been really impressed with Rafael Leao whenever I’ve watched Milan games, he’s a top player.
    “In terms of what happens in the future, who knows whether he can do this in Premier League or not.
    “He’s got the capability, for sure.” More

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    Leandro Trossard admits he is open to quitting Brighton with Arsenal and Chelsea both keen on transfer for forward

    LEANDRO TROSSARD has admitted he would be open to leaving Brighton if the right team came in for him.The winger is attracting transfer attention after scoring five goals in seven Premier League games this season, including a hat-trick at Anfield on Saturday.
    Leandro Trossard is attracting transfer interest with five goals in seven gamesCredit: EPA
    The Belgian also has two assists and revealed he is happy at Brighton and is excited about starting a new chapter on the south coast under new boss Roberto De Zerbi.
    He refused to give a definitive answer when asked about his future on the BBC’s Monday Night Club.
    He said: “It’s difficult to say anything about that now.
    “It completely depends on which club would come.
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    “If I feel good and things are good on a private level… but I also know how good I am at Brighton, also with new coach Roberto De Zerbi it looks promising.”
    Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly interested in the winger and Trossard, 27, admitted he would like to join former manager Graham Potter at Stamford Bridge.
    He is refusing to dwell on the speculation linking him to Blues, but said he would go if the opportunity arises in January – as long as he gets assurances over game time.
    Trossard said: “I have evolved tremendously. I now know how Premier League works. I’ve grown tremendously in that. Confidence, mentally, physically, … I have become better.
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    “I have mastered the tricks now. Our coach did leave for Chelsea now but speculations about me following him make no sense.
    “If the opportunity arises, I want to go. But I want to play and not sit on the bench.”
    Trossard was also linked to Manchester United and Newcastle in the summer and speculation about his future is likely to continue with his contract expiring at the end of the season. More

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    Ex-Chelsea transfer chief Marina Granovskaia was ‘sent threatening message by football agent’ with police investigating

    A LEADING British football agent is under investigation for blackmail after reportedly sending a threatening email to ex-Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia.The Russian-born executive arrived at Stamford Bridge in 2013 and played a key role in Chelsea’s transfers.
    An agent is under investigation for sending a threatening email to ex-Chelsea director GranovskaiaCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    She represented the interests of the then Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and also brokered lucrative sponsorship deals for the club.
    Granovskaia was largely seen as a powerhouse in the football world and was once ranked by Forbes as the fifth most powerful woman in sport.
    But according to The Times, Granovskaia received a threatening email from a leading British football agent before her departure following Abramovich’s sale to US billionaire Todd Boehly in May.
    The agent is reported to have demanded a payment of £300,000 for what he considered to be his role in a big-money transfer.
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    Blame for not receiving the payment was placed at Granovskaia’s door and the agent promised to “make you pay for the way you have been with me”.
    Granovskaia informed Chelsea and the Metropolitan Police of the email.
    The email shared with The Times reads: “I will make you pay for the way you have been.
    “That’s not a threat . . . it’s a promise. If Chelsea don’t pay it’s on you . . . see you when I see you.
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    “I will give you the chance to make things correct if you apologise for your behaviour towards me.
    “If you don’t then I promise you I will make you pay for the way you have been with me on a personal and business level.
    “This is not a threat so take it how you want.
    “This is a promise that I give to anybody who f***s/tries to f*** me over in anything in life.
    “In summary you owe me and my partners 300k which needs to get paid ASAP.
    “If Chelsea don’t pay it then the debt will be on you to pay. I am done trying to be nice to you.”
    The Times reports that the agent was arrested and released on bail, which means he cannot be named for legal reasons.
    A solicitor acting for the agent said his client “strenuously denies the allegation” and “has not been charged with any offence at this time”.
    A police spokesperson confirmed an arrest in connection with the investigation was made on September 19.
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    They said: “Officers from Met’s MO6 Public Order Crime Team are investigating an allegation of blackmail reported to police in June.
    “On September 19 a man was arrested in connection with the investigation. He was later released on bail.” More

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    Chelsea appointing Potter is for the long-term.. even Fergie would struggle to get team winning trophies now, says Cole

    JOE COLE believes not even the management greats of Sir Alex Ferguson and Brian Clough could get this Chelsea team immediately challenging for league titles and European cups.But the former Blues star has urged the club’s new American owner Todd Boehly to give Graham Potter the time and tools to compete on the global stage.
    Potter was a long-term appointment by ChelseaCredit: Getty
    Not even the legendary United boss, Sir Alex Ferguson, could get Chelsea challenging for titles immediatelyCredit: Rex
    Chelsea legend Cole says his former club have moved away from their desire of ‘immediate success’Credit: Rex
    Potter replaced the sacked Thomas Tuchel on September 8 – but owing to fixture postponements has taken charge of just two games since.
    On Saturday he earned his first Premier League win as Chelsea boss away at Crystal Palace having already drawn 1-1 with RB Salzburg on his Champions League debut on September 14.
    A maiden victory in Europe’s elite competition is next on the list as the West Londoners face AC Milan on Wednesday in a must-win group game.
    Yet Cole, 40 – who won three Prem titles, two FA Cups and a League cup during a seven-year stint with Chelsea – is not expecting any European triumphs this season under Potter.
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    Cole told SunSport: “When you come to Chelsea, you have to win games and trophies.
    “The club has been built on that in the last 20 years. The fans are used to big games and going to cup finals, so Potter can’t just disregard that. It will always be in the background.
    “But with so much newness around the club, they seem to have gone away from that immediate success plan that Chelsea are normally associated with.
    “This appointment says to me that Chelsea are looking long-term, and it is an intelligent move because the likes of Manchester City are so far ahead.
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    “You could employ Sir Alex and Brian Clough, all the all-time greats of management together, and they still wouldn’t make an immediate impact in chipping away at City, competing for trophies with them.
    “It will be a process to do that. it might take years over months, but I like the appointment.
    “If you plucked a manager from the 80s or 90s and put him into the dressing room now, it would be a disaster.
    “Potter is a modern manager with modern methods and modern ways of connecting with people. I think he is the future.
    “If he is allowed to build, with the resources he has got, then he is the right man for the job.
    “If you go down a road of stability with good people, eventually you will have success.”
    Chelsea lost 1-0 in their Champions League opener away to Dinamo Zagreb – a result that saw Tuchel axed less than 24 hours later.
    However, Cole does not believe this group of players have anything to prove to Potter or the fans as they look to secure a first win of their European campaign.
    Cole added: “The players are a fantastic bunch. They have achieved a great amount. There are good senior players and it is a real good group.
    “They won’t be happy with that performance [away in Zagreb]. They have pride and they will want to perform in a marquee game against one of the giants of European football.”
    Academy graduate Conor Gallagher is set to make only his second appearance in Europe for his beloved Chelsea after scoring his first senior goal for the club – the winner at Palace.
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    And Cole said: “Gallagher is every bit a modern Chelsea player, young and hungry. He is a player that a manager loves.
    “He is a Chelsea player through and through and is now a massive player for the club.”
    ***Watch Chelsea v AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League exclusively live on BT Sport 2 from 7pm on Wednesday 5th October. For more info, visit btsport.com*** More

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    Chelsea boss Potter opens door to sign ‘top player’ Leao.. but will have to pay £87m transfer fee for AC Milan winger

    CHELSEA boss Graham Potter has hailed AC Milan’s Rafael Leao as a “top player” amid transfer speculation.The Blues are set for another big spending spree in 2023 under new owner Todd Boehly.
    Chelsea boss Potter has labelled Leao a ‘top player’Credit: PA
    The Blues are said to be leading the race for LeaoCredit: Getty
    Chelsea are said to be closing in on RB Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku for next summer.
    Nkunku, 24, will cost around £53m and underwent a medical in Germany last month as part of the future arrangements.
    The West London club would also like to sign Nkunku’s Leipzig team-mate Josko Gvardiol, who is seen as a long-term replacement for the ageing Thiago Silva.
    But the spending spree might not stop there, as according to  Corriere Della Serra, Chelsea are “ahead of everyone” in the race for Milan forward Leao.
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    However, Milan won’t part ways with the 23-year-old unless a club pays north of £87m.
    Nonetheless, ahead of Wednesday’s Champions league clash with Milan, Chelsea boss Potter was full of praise for the forward.
    Potter says “top player” Leao has the “capability” to play in the Premier League.
    He said: “I’ve been really impressed with Rafael Leao whenever I’ve watched Milan games, he’s a top player.
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    “In terms of what happens in the future, who knows whether he can do this in Premier League or not.
    “He’s got the capability, for sure.” More

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    Chelsea line up Gvardiol in double transfer swoop on Red Bull Leipzig after verbally agreeing Nkunku deal

    CHELSEA are lining up a double swoop on Red Bull Leipzig having already verbally agreed to sign France striker Christopher Nkunku next summer.The Blues made a £80m bid for his team-mate Josko Gvardiol during the last transfer window but were told to wait 12 months to clinch a deal.
    Christopher Nkunku, front, celebrates alongside Josko Gvardiol, leftCredit: Getty
    Nkunku, 24, will cost around £53m and underwent a medical in Germany last month as part of the future arrangements.
    Chelsea boss Graham Potter and chairman Todd Boehly are mindful that experienced centre-half Thiago Silva is now 38 and that this area of the team requires strengthening.
    Silva, who was controversially allowed to stay on the pitch after a handball against Crystal Palace, joined Chelsea in 2020 but now has less than one year left on his contract.
    He has played in both games under Potter so far, picking up an assist in the 2-1 win over Palace at the weekend.
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    But Gvardiol, 20, is being earmarked by Chelsea as the long-term solution to replace Silva.
    The Blues spent a massive amount on new defenders this summer, bringing in Kalidou Koulibaly, Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella.
    However, with the likes of Cesar Azpilicueta and Silva still regular picks at the club, Potter is set to sanction an overhaul of the defence.
    Gvardiol has been a mainstay in the Leipzig starting xi since his move to the club last summer.
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    But the Croatian has opened the door to a move to Stamford Bridge as early as January, despite signing a new five-year deal with the club last month.
    Potter’s side will be back in action in the Champions League on Tuesday, where they will face group leaders AC Milan in desperate need of a win after failing to win either of their first two games. More